Don’t judge a book by its cover

My sat nav took me on a half-hour tour of Gatwick and the surrounding towns, highlighting the number of hotels and guest houses within a stone’s throw of the airport. Anyone offering overnight accommodation cannot rest of their laurels here, writes Diane Evans.

As I finally spotted the Best Western Gatwick Moat House I should have been elated. Instead my heart sank – looking like a 1950s style motel, it doesn’t boast the nicest frontage around.

The onsite car park is very small with parking spaces also dating back to the 50s – how today’s 4x4s fit, I’ve no idea. However it was merely a few steps to the back door of the hotel and a very warm welcome as I burst inside.  It oozed comfort with a modern and slick twist, in contrast to the outside, and I was relieved to find two enthusiastic and knowledgeable members of staff on reception. I was reminded of the adage, don’t judge a book by its cover.

Reception manager Raj Sivalingam was on duty when I arrived and again when I returned to pick up my car three days later – holding out the token for the car park as I walked through the door. The hotel prides itself on customer service and I can see why. It you don’t know what value can be added to an overnight stay prior to flying out of Gatwick, then stay here and you’ll see…

The foyer has recently been refurbished – only a month ago – with an airport-themed interior, citrus colours and plush furniture.They’ve also installed a ‘Monsierge’ touch screen information service with access to arrivals and departures information, weather, local bars and restaurants… and anything else that springs to mind. And if you really want to get in the holiday mood, there are two airline seats by the front door to try for size.

The hotel has 125 rooms and its main business is one night stays prior or post a flight. I was staying in a roomy twin with flat screen TV and wifi – both Best Western ‘standards’ I was told – although you have to phone reception for a wifi code for each gadget which seemed a bit archaic. The bathroom is well equipped with all the items you’re likely to have forgotten from a shoe shine kit and toiletries to a needle and thread. The Gatwick Moat House can accommodate most guests with rooms that sleep seven where the hotel gym used to be, starting at £99 a night I was told.

Having enjoyed the revamped foyer, we headed upstairs for some food. The lounge and bar area has also had a facelift and now includes a designer table football table, requiring a £10 deposit. I’d be too scared to let my kids near it but the adults in the party might have fun.

The restaurant staff at Harriet’s were friendly and helpful while the menu offered an extensive range from steaks to pastas to salads. We went for the risotto which didn’t disappoint and a cold glass of wine. It’s calm and comfortable and you can easily forget you’re a stone’s throw from a major airport. So much so, we were talked into a chocolate caramel torte to finish it off.  

Tummies full to overflowing, it was time to get some sleep before our early departure. A quick check at the reception desk and staff advised us what shuttle bus to get in the morning. The buses leave regularly round the clock with a quick 15 minute journey to the terminal building. The only downside is the cost – at £3 each way, the shuttle company must be coining it in.

Hotel bookings can be made direct with the hotel, which can include on-site parking or through Holiday Extras, which can include off-site parking. A comfortable sleep, an alarm call and an efficient check out all helped the stress levels together with the knowledge that we were minutes from the terminal. Having realised the value for money, I wouldn’t hesitate in booking the first night of my holiday at the Gatwick Moat House – just to unwind.

Click here for the Best Western Gatwick Moat House website.